Safaricom, in partnership with Huawei, has unveiled VybCall, Kenya’s first Video Ring Back Tone (VRBT) service, innovated off the well-known Skiza service, launched nearly 20 years ago.
This new service introduces short-form videos that allow customers to personalise their caller waiting experience.
What is Safaricom’s latest service, VybCall?
With VybCall, customers will now entertain their callers with curated video content as they wait for the call to be answered, adding a visual twist to the traditional ringback tone.
The service makes Kenya the first African country to introduce VRBT, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile entertainment and digital innovation.
“As a technology-first business, we are constantly innovating to take technology closer to the people, beyond connectivity and devices, through localised, relevant experiences. The launch of VybCall underscores our commitment to continuously enhance customer experiences and meet their evolving needs,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO – Safaricom.
How to activate VybCall?
VybCall is now available on the Safaricom Neon range, select Samsung and Oppo devices, and Xiaomi’s Redmi A series, with planned support on Vivo devices in Q2 2027. Customers can easily activate the service by dialling *860# on compatible devices or by visiting vybcall.safaricom.com on the mySafaricom App.
“At Safaricom, we are constantly exploring new ways to give our customers choice and control through targeted experiences. The launch of Kenya’s first Video Ring Back Tone service is one way we are transforming daily moments creatively, buttressing our commitment to innovation,” said James Maitai, CTIO, Safaricom
“Vybcall will help the amazing creatives in Kenya, which is just one of the many ways that Huawei works with our partners to develop innovative technologies which improve customer experience and drive economic growth,” said Gavin Gao, Huawei CEO- Kenya.
Since its introduction almost two decades ago, Skiza has been a household name, allowing customers to share their favourite tunes with callers. As content consumption habits evolve and short-form video gains popularity globally, VybCall represents Safaricom’s continued innovation to keep its services relevant and meaningful to customers.
Beyond entertainment, VybCall introduces monetisation opportunities for content creators and brands, transforming the idle caller time into engaging storytelling and marketing moments.
The launch of Vybcall reinforces Safaricom’s ongoing investment in enhancing customer touchpoints, while advancing Kenya’s digital lifestyle experiences.
